Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing Classes at the Village!

Learn the art of blacksmithing in our Village Wagon Shop. Working under the guidance of Resident Metalsmith Rose Weiss, students practice 19th-century forging techniques to create unique works of art. Space is extremely limited; advance registration required: 248-524-3570. Classes offered April – November.

Step alongside the Village forge and discover what it’s like to ‘make the anvil ring!’ Learn four basic hand forging techniques while making your own square nail just the way it was made centuries ago. Ages 10 to adult.

No prerequisite.

Basic Blacksmithing Level 1

Experience the art of blacksmithing as it was practiced in the late 1850s with this six-week introductory course. Build a coal fire, work at an anvil and operate a forge. Discover how malleable iron can be as you make your own hand trowel while learning nine basic hand-forging techniques. Ages 12 to adult.

No prerequisite.

Basic Blacksmithing Level 2

Build upon the skills you learned in Basic Blacksmithing Level 1 with this six-week course. Forge a pair of tongs as you learn the technique of shouldering and take on the challenge of creating mechanical movement with mating parts. Ages 12 to adult.

Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Level 1.

Adult-Child Blacksmithing

Together, the two of you will learn how to “split a fork”. Learn four basic hand forging techniques as you create your own serving utensil, just in time for the holiday season. Ages 8 to adult.

No prerequisite.

Anvil Time Blacksmithing

Please contact the Village for the current schedule.

Hone the skills you acquired in Basic Blacksmithing Level 1 while working on a project of your choice. Students are encouraged to make something that is meaningful to them. You may choose from a variety of projects or create your own. Come to class prepared to discuss your ideas for this 4-week course. Ages 12 to adult. Weekend and weekday, morning, afternoon and some evening hours available throughout the fall.

Prerequisite: Basic Blacksmithing Level 1.

Coppersmithing Class (Summer Only)

What are chasing, repoussage, cold forging, sinking and bouging? How many ways can you stretch copper? What is the process of annealing and why is it so important? You will learn these traditional coppersmithing techniques and more as you experience the fun of transforming copper sheet into a beautiful and useful object of your choice.